Search This Blog

NaNoWriMo + NaBloPoMo =NaNoMasochist

I've been wanting to participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for about two years now. And this year, I'm finally doing it!

In 2005, I found out about NaNo halfway through November. Too late for this author. Last year, I almost signed up but was super stressed by the 60-80 hour a week job. Instead, I jealously admired those bloggers I knew who were engaging in the NaNoWriMo madness. I became a sort of shadow artist, cheering them on while silently kicking myself in the shins.

This year, I don't have that job or that stress anymore. I signed up for NaNo the first chance I got.

Now my task is to write 50,000 words on my novel by the end of November. I figure this is exactly the shot of adrenaline I need to get what I'm working on going strong. I seriously need to conquer my inner critic's "let's edit some more" issue.

Or, at least that was my plan. Today though, I got up and began thinking about an entirely new story that has been brewing in my mind for about a month now. A new one other than the one I've been working on, other than the one with the semi-outline already finished. So, which one to write about or do I try to get both going? Whatever it may be, I need to write at least 1700 words every day on one of them.

It may be 1700 words that I later chuck in the trash, groan while reading aloud, or whatever. But I'm just going to keep it going. Keep it going. Let it flow. Stop being such a, as some would say when they're mad at me, "Control Freak."

To take things to another level during the month of November, I've also decided to participate inNaBloPoMo. That's National Blog Posting Month, meaning that instead of seeing posts from me three or four times a week, you're going to see me posting every single day during the month of November.

I know. That's why I'm a NaNoMasochist. There's a few other of us doing this as well. We even have a group to support our madness, although I'm not sure when I'm going to have time to participate in their forums!

You are welcome to join me in either pursuit! It's not too late to sign up. C'mon. It's only the first day!

Come to think of it, I'm also going to commit to exercising every day during the month of November so that I am sure I don't simply spend every waking moment crouched in front of a computer.

Surely other body parts need exercise other than just my fingers, right?

Chani,I'm sure you have lots of interesting things to write about. I know I think I have to have something totally momentus to write about and it's just not the case! Looking forward to coming over and reading!

1969,Thanks for the encouragement! I'm going to NYC tonight for a few days and I'm wondering how I'm going to manage it all while I'm traveling. I'll figure it out though. I'm really excited! :)

Good for you I know you can achieve your goals!!! I'm so proud of you!! Instead of throwing away your story send it to me - I'll let you know if it's good or not!! Your probably being too hard on your self.

Everybody,Gosh, I'm about to run out the door to catch my plane, but just wanted to say that I'm sorry I didn't have time to respond to your comments individually before I had to go. I'll try to do so tomorrow.

I'm now in Detroit on my layover before heading to NYC, so let me reply to y'alls comments from yesterday and today!

Jameil,I am SO glad you are doing this as well. You have such a strong, creative spirit...we're gonna be seeing your name all over the place one day. I have no doubt.

Claudia,I'll have to think about that. I'm sure this is going to get more difficult as the month wears on (and as I get PMS). But knowing that you and others are wishing well means a whole lot.

Bygbaby,Thanks for the cheering. It is a lot of writing, isn't it? But I think I can get it finished as long as I stay organized and make myself a schedule for it. It sure won't happen if I procrastinate, that's for sure.

Cyndee,Um, we still need to iPod connect, chica! You don't need my tech support anymore??? I might send you a bit that I have finished so far. I was rereading some parts that I wrote a few weeks ago on the plane last night and I was like, "UGH!!!" But, I do think I'm too hard on myself sometimes. If some of the folks who have books out can make it, um, hello!

Jon,Good point. But today I'm wondering if walking the streets of NYC will be able to count as my exercise. We'll see!

Noel,Pyromaniac Michael who may or may not have done some very bad things...that story remains one of my absolute favorites. I've been contemplating tweaking it a bit and then trying to submit it to some short story contests, or else expanding it to a novel at a later date. Not sure which. I'm sure either option will result in someone trying to get me committed.

Writing every single day is very helpful. Don't worry about what you write, that is what editing/and rewriting is for. The hard thing is sitting down looking at a blank page and putting something on it.

Holy crap, you're doing both?! Wow. I know I should do NaBloPoMo, I post so infrequently, but instead I decided to just give myself a swift kick in the rear and do NaNoWriMo. Good luck, and if you need/want another writing buddy on the NaNoWriMo site, if their profile search function ever returns/works, look me up (daddyinastrangeland). :)

Nerd Girl,Sorry to be so slow in replying! I've been running around and off the blog quite a bit! I'm glad you're starting and I won't tell a soul that you started a day late!

NYC/CR,Thank you so much for the wise words. I needed to hear that. I was writing on the plane tonight and just had to stop myself because I was overthinking it.

Jen,I know what you mean. It was definitely challenging to be starting both so close to me taking a weekend trip. But so far, I think things are really rolling. I'm scared Thanksgiving but I know we can do it!

Daddy in a Strange Land,I will definitely look you up when the search function is back to normal. I certainly could use some writing buddies because right now, I have none. Thanks for asking!